Why CHarlie?  Because they sit in comfy offices, with expensive clothes and read sitreps and reports and have no idea whatsoever of the true condition the troops face outside the battlefield.  There is no report to congress that says "Hey folks, many of these families need public assistance, can we do something?" there is no report telling of the father who has to take a 2nd job to make ends meet.  There is a report however, if your financial situation gets a blemish on it - you can actually be discharged for that.

Why?  When I find the truth of that answer I'll let you know...somehow I think it will be a long time coming.  Perhaps Obama will recognize some of those issues that have long been ignored and try to get congress to pay attention - hey, anyone can dream.

Cat

eta:  Oh yeah, and you MUST carry a government credit card.  Even if you wouldn't qualify for one on your own, you must have one, and when the bill comes in it's payable in full - even if you haven't received your claim money yet.  THAT fortunately is being changed, and the military is starting to pay the card directly so there is no credit negative on the troops record.